CONGRATS!!! You've just taken the first step to being a pilot!!! Here are
some answers to your questions. I'm sure others in the group will chime in.

How much are
lessons typically and the license fees?

Plan on roughly $5000 for airplane rental, instructor fees, books and
supplys depending on the type of aircraft and area of the country you are
in. Best advice would be to have the money in advance so you don't have to
stop your training for financial reasons. You will be required to obtain at
least 40 hours of flight experience before taking your private pilot
checkride. Most students take more time than that, say 50-60 hours.

Once your done with the
certification, how do you access a plane?
Most likely the flight school or fixed base operator at the airport where
you do your training will rent aircraft.

Do you rent, lease, buy?
This all depends on your financial situation, your goals, and your ambition.
Most students rent.

What's
the price range for all of these things.
Cessna 150 or Cherokee 140 trainer will run from about $45 to $60 per hour
wet, this price includes fuel
Instructors fees generally run from $25 to $35 per hour for primary
instruction
Expect to pay for ground instruction also

Would it ever be feasable to fly
yourself somewhere else for a vacation for a week, or would it be too
expensive?
Most airplane rental companies have a minumum number of hours per day that
you must fly or you will get billed for that minimum. Example: take the
plane for 7 days and only fly 10 hours, if the minimum is 2 hours per day,
you pay for 14 hours.

How noisy are planes? Will I need earplugs?
Not earplugs, but an aviation headset. If your flight school doesn't
provide them or rent them to the students, you'll need to buy one. Try
several types and brands before buying.

Sorry for so many questions. I'm just excited! If these questions are
highlighted in a FAQ, please point the way.

Oh, and I wear glasses, monofocal about -2.5 diopter plus astigmatism
correction of about 2.5 as well. Will this be a problem?
No. You will be required to get at least a 3rd class medical that is issued
by an authorized Airman's Medical Examiner. This special MD will test your
vision and may require you to wear glasses while flying.

I'm sure I haven't answered your questions in the depth and detail that you
require. The best thing that you can do is visit several local airports and
flight schools and check them out for yourself. Then ask for references!!
Past students and other local pilots. They will tell you who to stay away
from. Find an instructor that has a personality that you can work with and
one that uses methods that help you learn.
--
Jim Burns III

Remove "nospam" to reply